Monday, March 31, 2008

Friends, please allow me a personal moment here. My eldest daughter – Maria Agatha (Agi) - Class President, Student Body Council President, ping pong champion, 1st runner-up in badminton, a title holder of her school’s beauty and brains contest, and winner of countless Olympiads and all - has just graduated from the elementary level at the top of her class!

Ten of the 12 medals that My Closeness received this morning! (Two of the medals were misplaced by one of the school's staff :) ) The local government also recognized My Soulmate's academic performance! She received Academic Excellence awards from Muntinlupa City's Mayor Aldrin L. San Pedro and Vice Mayor Artemio A. Simundac, among others! Moreover, the Apple of My Eye received the Highest Award for Academic Excellence from the Philippines' House of Representatives through Congressman Ruffy B. Biazon! And get this! A number of schools have also expressed interests in having Agi join them for high school as a scholar!

I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again - Yes, I’m a proud dad! But prouder still that My Closeness is growing up with her feet on the ground, with goodness in her heart, with a great spirit, and great love for her dad. Congratulations, Anak ko’y! I love you, anak!

I am really thrilled to be here today, and very excited too, as I know you all must be, that the respected officials of our great city could join us.

In the world that awaits us beyond the shores of OLLS, no one can say what our opportunities will be. But this I do know!We have a first-class catholic education from a first-class catholic school! Members of this graduating class have been given opportunities to push themselves to the limit and are now going into high school armed and ready with the talents and knowledge gained from our much-loved catholic school!

Thus, armed with our Catholic education, we do not need to live a "paint-by-numbers" life. Decisions are not irrevocable. But choices do come back. And as we set off from OLLS, I hope and pray that many of you will consider making these choices.

And what are these choices that we need to make?

1.The CHOICE TO BELIEVE! To believe in something larger than yourself - to get involved in some of the big ideas of our time. And to promote such with one thing in mind – in pursuit of the welfare of others. Continue to learn this way and everything will unfold before you.

2.The second one is the CHOICE TO PRACTICE PATIENCE! Things will come to you when you are ready to handle them - not before. Just keep walking your road. And as you walk your road, as you live your life, RELISH THE ROAD. Amidst the twists and turns along the way, you will see the glory of life up ahead!

3.The third is the CHOICE TO PLAY TO WIN! Playing to win is one of the finest things you can do. It allows you to fulfill your potential. It enables you to improve the world and develop high expectations for everyone else too. And what if you lose? Just make sure you lose while giving it your best shot!

4.The fourth is the CHOICE TO ENJOY! Enjoy your family and friends! We only live once! Make the most of it!

5.And last but not the least – the CHOICE of HAPPINESS! When all is said and done, awards are temporary and fleeting. It should not be the goal of anyone. Happiness is the right goal. Happiness comes from pursuing interests and passions that do not obviously result in joy. It comes from building a great team, from family, from school, and from friends. Happiness - give until it hurts!For we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

Indeed, ourgraduation is a celebration of achievements! But, it is only the beginning!Today’s graduation serves as the catalyst of our pursuit towards life’s great opportunities and challenges! As we graduate from OLLS today, take with you deep thanks for the courtesy and the honor you have shared with our beloved Mrs. Simundac-Keppel, the energetic Father Jojit, Teacher Ben, the dear members of the faculty, and last, but not the least, your family! Without them, we wouldn’t even be here!

Yes, you read right! Two of the world’s billiards champions, Efren Reyes (The Magician) and Francisco Bustamante (Django), together with the Philippines’ number 1 female billiards player, Rubilen Amit (Bingkay), will star with Jennifer Barretta in 9-Ball, an exciting story geared to be one suspenseful, dramatic and authentic pool movie! And I kid you not!

Here is the official press release, friends!

THE LIVING LEGENDS OF POOL EFREN REYES AND FRANCISCO BUSTAMANTE, AND CHAMPION RUBILEN AMIT TO STAR IN UPCOMING FILM “9-BALL”

PHILADELPHIA, PA, Mar. 27, 2008 – World Champion Efren Reyes, International Champion Francisco Bustamante, and Champion Rubilen Amit have been cast to star in the movie "9-Ball." The film is being directed by Anthony Palma of Main Street Productions, who also created the story, wrote/ the screenplay and will produce. Palma says, “It is a honor, and privilege to have these three great pool players now part of the cast of “9-Ball.” Pool players, and fans of the sport everywhere can look forward to seeing the Best of the Best, and most exciting players in the World in “9-Ball.”

Francisco Bustamante, and Efren Reyes are two of the most respected pool champions in the history of the sport. In the film “9-Ball” the audience will get to see what makes these champions the Heroes they are.

"9-Ball" is about a young, up and coming pool player who breaks away from hustling pool in the back rooms of bars, to follow her dream of becoming the Women’s 9 Ball Champion of the World. Palma is delighted to have World-renowned players cast in “9-Ball.” Palma says, “ I want “9-Ball” to show pool as the great sport it is and what better way to do that then have real life World Champions in the movie, these players represent what the movie “9-Ball” is all about.”

Jennifer Barretta who is cast in the lead role says, “This project is the most exciting thing happening in pool right now and I'm excited to be a part of it. "9 Ball" is destined to become a classic,” The film has also garnered excitement from other greats such as Karin Corr and Julie Kelly who have already served as technical advisors on the script. They have also been cast to play themselves in the movie. World Champion Corr says, “After reading the screenplay for “9-Ball” I was more impressed than ever to be involved with this film. “9-Ball” is the first film produced that combines women’s professional pool with a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat…Gail is a young woman with a lot of guts, determination, and ambition to become the 9-Ball Women’s World Champion. “9-Ball” is a film that you want to see, and after you see it to go shoot pool,” Kelly is also excited to be a part of the movie. “I also like that it is about a woman pool player, we’ve seen great pool movies but nothing like “9-Ball.” The film aims to inspire all up and coming pool players to take their craft seriously and follow their dreams professionally. said Kelly.

“9-BALL”: The film is scheduled to begin principal photography June 15th. at Universal Studios. This independent film will be directed, and produced by Anthony Palma for Main Street Productions. Executive Producer is Ralph Clemente. For more information about the film, please visit the website at www.mainstreetproductions.com or call 215-764-6128

"The AnitoKid loves 9-Ball movies!"

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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Warning! The YouTube video isn't about billiards, Filipino pool players, or boxing! The video isn't even about Philippine sports! I found it while surfing the Web and found this one particularly interesting. It is interesting because it highlights one of man's inner strengths, i.e., helping others in their time of need. However, what makes the YouTube video more compelling to watch is that it also highlights the adage, "Boys will be boys!" :)

Hope you like it, friends!

"The AnitoKid loves YouTube!"

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The Predator Blak Case! Remember my post on the Predator Air Case- (link here)? Guess what, pool players and fans! The Predator Air Case in now a reality! Christened the Predator Blak case, the 2nd generation Predator pool cue case is crafted in either sumptuous black leather or sleek black vinyl!

From what I could initially gather from Predator’s official website, the 2x4 Predator Blak case is accented with stainless steel and comes with a specially-designed large side pocket with molded compartments for the Predator Air jump cue! The 6.35 lbs (2.88 kilos) Predator Blak pool cue case also features a centered strap and a non-slip shoulder-pad designed with carrying comfort and flexibility in mind. And oh! Complimenting the stainless steel accents are Predator Cat design elements that featured on the outside front, inside top cover, and bottom of the Predator Blak case! Now, that is one one beautiful pool cue case!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

From what I’ve read and saw on television, Filipino boxerManny Pacquiao, aka The Pacman, prefers David Diaz above anyone else. A third fight with Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez is not high on the WBC superfeatherweight champion’s agenda, at least not for his next fight in June or July 2008. Manny Pacquiao believes that if he fights Juan Manuel Marquez soon, it may appear to be too personal between them. However, Manny also stressed that the fans will get what they want, and all things put aside, everything depends on the promoters. And the price, of course! A third one with Marquez is rumored to net the Filipino boxer a cool $8-10 million! I guess the Unfinished Business is neither over nor finished!

*much thanks to Gang for the pic

All roads lead to Manny Pacquiao moving up in weight (lightweight, 135 lbs) and challenge American-Mexican David Diaz, giving the Filipino pugilist a shot at a fourth world title in different divisions. The other possible candidates are Joel Casamayor and Edwin Valero. Or even those in the heavier divisions? I remember reading about Manny Pacquiao’s intentions of fighting at 150 lbs (welterweight). “It’s where the stronger, better fighters are,” Manny said. Prominent names that instantly come to mind with regards to the higher weight divisions include Oscar dela Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather. Wow! That's a tough group in my book!

My only concern about Manny Pacquiao’s decision to move up in weight is his speed. Now, dont get me wrong, I’m all out for Manny! I admire his strong will and determination to succeed! Pacquiao remains the most exciting and most expensive boxer in his division. He has become the only boxer in the continent to win titles in three different weight divisions! Manny Pacquiao fought and had beaten everybody that crossed his path, including the best of them! These include Mexicans Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, who he beat twice each, and Juan Manuel Marquez, once in two encounters – cementing the claim that he is indeed one of the best, if not the best pound-pound boxer in this era! As I’ve said, my only concern at this point in time is Pacman’s speed. I fear that a further move up will make Manny Pacquiao flatfooted and predictable. And may I be wrong on this one! These are just my concerns. No more. No less. And I kid you not!

I guess everything remains to be seen - for now.

"The AnitoKid loves boxing!"

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World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao, aka The Pacman, was inducted into the Elorde Hall of Fame during the 8th Gabriel Flash Elorde Boxing Awards Night held at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo led the induction rites. Assisted by Gabriel Flash Elorde’s widow, Laura Elorde, President Gloria Arroyo personally handed the trophy to Manny Pacquiao, the first Filipino boxer to be enshrined into the Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame. The Elorde Boxing Hall of Fame is the ultimate award in Philippine professional boxing, friends! And I kid you not! The 29-year-old Pacquiao earned the right to be elevated to the Hall of Fame after being named boxer of the year for seven years, the same number of years the late Gabriel Flash Elorde reigned as world champion.

Honored as Boxers of the Year in the ceremony were boxing champions Gerry Peñalosa (WBO Bantamweight), Florante Condes (IBF minimumweight), Donnie Nietes (WBO minimumweight), and Nonito Donaire, Jr. (IBF super-flyweight). Former WBA and WBC champion Luisito Espinosa also received the honor roll award as a former world champion.

Congratulations, Manny!Mabuhay!

"The AnitoKid loves Hall of Fame Awards!"

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I was browsing the Internet about online pokersites when I came upon PokerStrategy, which touts itself as the world’s biggest poker school. A quick look reveals PokerStrategy as an online site offering free poker education! Users get $50 as starting capital plus an additional $100 bonus to start their poker careers. Imagine that! Users do not have to deposit their own money to learn how to play poker! And get this, PokerStrategy’s offer is absolutely free and without any obligation. You read right – free and without any obligation!

Another interesting feature of PokerStrategy is this: The online poker site offers a comprehensive learning material geared towards learning the tricks of the trade step by step. The learning material is based on mathematically-strategic and psychological principles that make it feasible to gamble profitably in the long-run! In addition to the poker strategy

articles, spreadsheets and charts featured at PokerStrategy, users can watch and learn from professional poker players during live plays with live coachings! Moreover, the online poker site has a ton of informative coaching videos from poker professionals! Talk about one neat online poker site!

Wait, there’s more! PokerStrategy also integrated another interesting feature that promises to liven things up a bit – an online forum for discussion amongst thousands of other poker enthusiasts from around the world! The forum is designed with poker players in mind! It allows anyone to find poker players in their respective areas for a home game, chat about big poker tournaments, or perhaps rant away on topics of interest! Guess what? I just signed up with PokerStrategy’s forum! And I kid you not!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

One of the Philippines’ best billiards players, Dennis Orcollo, aka Robocop, has won the 2008 Japan 9-Ball Open! The reigning number 1 player in the world bested more than 200 pool players from around the globe to win the championship and pocket the 2 million yen top prize!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Narisa Chakrabongse, one of Thailand's representatives in the Olympic torch relay has withdrawn in protest over China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet! Hope the world hears about this! Now, that's a statement! And I kid you not! Read on!

One of Thailand's representatives in the Olympic torch relay has withdrawn in protest over China's recent crackdown on protesters in Tibet, a statement said Sunday. Narisa Chakrabongse – one of the country's six torchbearers – said in an open letter that she decided against taking part in the relay to "send a strong message to China that the world community could not accept its actions."

Anti-government protests started in the Tibetan capital, Lhasa, on the March 10 anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule and turned violent four days later, touching off demonstrations among Tibetans in three neighboring provinces.

Beijing's official death toll from the rioting is now 22, but the Dalai Lama's government-in-exile has said 99 Tibetans have died.

"The slaying of the Tibetans ... is an outright violation of human rights," Narisa wrote. "It happened two weeks before the Olympic torch leaves Athens and five months before the Olympic Games. This reflects the Chinese government's negligence of world sentiment."

Tibetans and their supporters have protested in cities around the world against China, where the games will be staged.

Some fear the arrival of the Olympic torch – which arrives in Thailand in April en route to Beijing – could spark violent protests against China, while others are calling for heads of state, dignitaries and even corporate sponsors to boycott the Olympics, or at least the opening ceremony.APGMANews.TV

"Now, that's a statement! The AnitoKid"

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Five-year-old Gaven Cox was given one wish to do anything he wanted.Instead of asking to go to Sea World or to meet Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, Gaven modestly asked for some McDonald's food. The child's parents laughed and told him to make another choice."He told us he wanted to be an Army soldier," said Melissa Heminger, Gaven's mom. "I was a little bit surprised that he asked for McDonald's, but in reality, he wanted to be a soldier since he was 3."Gaven, who is diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, was granted one wish by the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.Heminger said Gaven's stepfather was a former soldier and his Army medals fascinated Gaven.While the Army has age restrictions on how old a person must be to enlist, it decided to make an exception.Gaven, the nation's youngest soldier, is from Crandall and was "sworn in" there. Crandall is 27 miles southeast of Dallas.The 5-year-old and his family arrived at Fort Hood early Thursday morning and were greeted by more than a dozen soldiers. He was wearing a miniature-sized combat uniform. In a few minutes, he was given a Kevlar helmet and dog tags and was promoted from specialist to sergeant.After his promotion, young Sgt. Cox gave a proper Army salute and was given a mission.

"All right, Sgt. Cox, your mission is to go through that gate, ride a horse and kill five enemies," said Sgt. Christopher Gaines. "Are you ready?"

His 8-year-old sister Jade shouted, "Let's get them!"

After defeating the "enemy" on horseback, the country's youngest soldier got to do what most never get to do: Gaven flew a Longbow helicopter.

Well, sort of.

He was granted access to enter a trailer-sized home that was made for training helicopter pilots.

After being seated in the middle of five large rectangular screens, Gaven put on his helmet, equipped with a radio and a microphone.

Eric Fremming, a retired Army aviator who now teaches soldiers how to fly via simulation, began telling Gaven's father what was going on.

"Right now, we got (Gaven) flying in Iraq," Fremming said, while pointing to a 12-inch monitor. "When (Gaven) sees some bad guys, he can start shooting."

After a few seconds, Fremming points to the screen again.

"Oh, wait. Yup, he's engaged the enemy," Fremming said.

The simulated machine gun noise overpowered the training area.

"He's the youngest soldier I've ever trained," Fremming said. "This is just like flying a $40 million Longbow." Yet the simulation was just a taste of what was to come as Gaven got perhaps the best gift the Army could give him: an actual ride in a Black Hawk helicopter.

Yet even with all the fun, Gaven became overwhelmed with activity and collapsed to his knees after finishing an activity. Within seconds, a soldier identified only as Pvt. Isaac picked him up and put him on his shoulders. "You all right?" Pvt. Isaac asked.

Sgt. Cox nodded.

"Good," Pvt. Isaac said. "You're a soldier now."

Gaven's disease is a cancer of the white blood cells, which are the cells in the body that fight infections. With ALL, immature white blood cells are overproduced in the bone marrow. This causes damage and death to other cells by overcrowding the other white blood cells and ultimately spreads to other organs.

However, there is an 85 percent success rate of curing the disease in children, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Web site.

"He's been going through some very aggressive therapy," Heminger said. "But he's been very strong ? I'm having fun, and I think (Gaven) is having fun – it's nice to forget that he's sick for a day."

"The AnitoKid salutes Sgt. Cox!"

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-- Maraming Salamat Po! --

About Me

aka The Champ. A Filipino! Born on the 24th of July. Plays the piano, guitar, and the clarinet. Collects books and stamps. Very much into billiards, fishing and photography. A Financial Analyst, Business Analyst, and Information Scientist. A pool player. A Student of Life - Seeking Alpha certified. And I kid you not!